Maybe Down To Three

Nobody expects the Pats to keep four quarterbacks on the roster, but things got a little murky with the status of Jarrett Stidham who started experiencing soreness in his throwing shoulder.

Everyone was hoping that he could avoid surgery, but he had it yesterday and will miss at least twelve weeks. That brings him back by late October, assuming everything goes as planned.

The team claimed Jake Delgado off waivers. He was with them for a time last season on the practice squad.

He will now be part of the quarterback room with Cam Newton, Mac Jones and Brian Hoyer.

Benjamin Judging

Training camp is always a place for drama between players and coaches. Some teams have more than others.

The Giants had their day yesterday with the release of TE Kelvin Benjamin after a heated exchange with GM Dave Gettleman and Coach Joe Judge before the start of practice. The team ended up releasing Benjamin without giving a reason.

The former wide receiver was trying to convert to tight end after being drafted #28 overall in 2014 by the Panthers where Gettleman was the GM.

Everyone thought it might work, but it came to a crashing end yesterday. In comments to the media, Benjamin called out Judge and said the team would never win a Super Bowl with him.

Open Practice 2021

Fans were finally able to watch the Pats practice today in one of the few sessions that will be open to the public.

Players commented favorably about it as they know it will only happen a few times before the season starts.

Some teams do more than others when it comes to allowing the fans to watch from the stands.

Need Higher Rates

We shall see how the NFL reacts to the increase in Covid cases with the Delta variant. Several teams, including the Pats, have players or coaches who tested positive. Some had even taken the vaccine.

No matter what, the NFL will never have a 100% vaccination rate. That doesn't happen anywhere.

What will happen in the next few days as training camps open?

Will He Sign?

It sounds like the Packers and Aaron Rodgers have a chance to resolve their crisis which is really all about money and security.

I can understand why the team is reluctant to commit a fortune to him. The Packers are the only NFL team owned by public shareholders. Management must do whatever is in the best interest of the ownership.

We shall see in the days ahead.

A Guaranteed Record

Tom Brady continues to set marks that will be hard to break. Nobody might ever start ten Super Bowls.

Brady started five after the age of 37, while John Elway had that total in his career. Next up with four are Joe Montana, Roger Staubach, Peyton Manning and Jim Kelly.

Brady's accomplishments after turning 37 are amazing. Anyone trying to break this record would need to play for a dynasty like the Pats and have no plans to retire until in their 40's.

It's In The Check

The NFL wants its players to take the Covid vaccine to avoid a disruption of the season, but there is only so much they can do.

No games were canceled last season, but a number were postponed. The Pats had that happen twice.

The league announced that any canceled games not made up will be a forfeit on the behalf of the infected team. To emphasize their point, players on both teams will miss a game check for that week. 

It's hard to say if things will ever get to this point. There are many unknowns going into the season.

The Lack of Interest

The Pats have a surplus of running backs going into training camp, but injuries can change that real fast.

What is the future of Sony Michel with the team? They didn't pick up their former 2018 first round pick's fifth year option. That doesn't bode well for his future here.

Is there an interest in him from other teams? If they plan to cut him, they should try to get at least a 5th round pick in a trade.

Young Money

Alabama sophomore QB Bryce Young is expected to be the starting quarterback at Alabama this season.

The school is a football factory with a direct path to the NFL for many who choose to play for Coach Nick Saban.

With the recent ruling about college athletes making money from their name, image and likeness, Young is on the verge of making over six figures from it.

Although he has never started a game, the cash is flowing in his direction. 

Jerry Enjoys

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was in classic form today during his press conference. He stated that nothing was more important than winning a Super Bowl.

He seems to love every moment of doing this. His ownership of the Cowboys have made him untold billions and cemented his legacy in the game.

The Cowboys certainly have their questions for this season as do many other teams.

Jones will be leading the charge and loving it.

Chung & Dugger 23

Pats DB Kyle Dugger will be wearing #23 this season after the retirement of Patrick Chung. They had a conversation about the number being reissued.

Much is expected from Dugger who has delivered in his first two seasons. He has all the potential to be another Patrick Chung.

Competition In Miami

Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa is a great example of a highly drafted quarterback who struggled during his first season as a starter.

He was the #5 overall pick in the 2020 draft and viewed as ready to lead a team. The Dolphins were so confident in him that they benched veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick who eventually left for free agency.

Jacoby Brissett was signed as a backup. The job is Tua's to lose during training camp. It should be quite a competition.

Brady's Knee

Tom Brady had knee surgery back in February to repair a torn MCL.

While this is a significant injury, he apparently played through the 2020 season with it. 

He reached a point where it needed to be repaired.

A Few Do Bad

When OTA's ended a few weeks ago, it created a scenario where many players were left on their own until training camp.

Several stories involving players have made the news. It sounds like another year of some getting themselves into legal situations.

It never makes the league look good.

Ted Ginn Jr

Some players eventually realize that their playing days are over. Such was the case for WR Ted Ginn Jr after announcing his retirement today.

The hand-writing was on the wall for the 36 year old with 14 seasons in the league.

Teams are better off trying to spend a roster spot on a developing player rather than paying a higher price for a veteran free agent.

Maybe More Harry

Will WR N'Keal Harry be with the Pats when they open up training camp on July 28th?

No team ever wants to release a former first round pick, especially after only two seasons with them.

There doesn't seem to be much of a trade market for him. The team needs bodies at all positions in camp.

That could all lead the story in a different direction.

Arena Time

They say that the NFL will find you if you have talent. Arena football is ending in early August.

Some will get invited to audition with a chance to get a spot at a NFL training camp. 

It will be a very short list.

Days of Ted

WR Ted Ginn Jr is another player who is a free agent and undecided about playing this season. 

The former #9 overall pick in 2007 by the Dolphins has been with six teams. He would probably get paid the veteran minimum if he signs with someone.

He knows that teams can replace him with a younger and cheaper version.

Larry's Choice

Players who are undecided about playing two weeks before the start of training camp often end up retiring, especially if they are free agents.

WR Larry Fitzgerald has reached that point with the Cardinals. The 17 year veteran with 11 Pro Bowl selections is undecided on his future.

He wants to win a championship. It just won't be with the Cardinals.

Three or Two

I read an article that had the Pats keeping only two quarterbacks on the 53 man roster. Can Coach Belichick live with devoting a roster spot to a third quarterback?

It sounds like Cam Newton and Mac Jones are the early favorites, but anything can happen once the team starts to practice.

No XFL and CFL

The CFL is sending out mixed signals about the the start of their season. They recently ended talks with the XFL which would have resulted in games being played in the US, in light of Covid restrictions in Canada.

Training camps are scheduled to open this weekend, with the start of the season on August 5th. The league is considering whether to play all their games in Winnipeg to address Covid issues.

Maybe More For Gilmore

When it comes to personnel moves, you never know with the Pats. CB Stephon Gilmore doesn't feel that he will be traded. He expects to work out some type of deal.

Gilmore is underpaid in comparison to the current market. The Pats could give him a good bump for this year, but I don't see them signing him to a long term contract with dollar amounts that would satisfy both parties.

Not The First Time

The media loves to point out the mistakes of Coach Belichick, especially when it comes to the draft. Things have not worked out with their former 2019 first round pick N'keal Harry.

Some are treating this like a unique event for the Pats. It happens all the time with draft picks around the NFL. They don't always work out. It won't be the last time the Pats or another team swings and misses in the draft.

Don't Retire #11

 I saw the article once and never again. It was floating the idea of retiring #11 in honor of Julian Edelman.

This idea is crazy and hope the team never does it. Too many other great players have worn that number.

NFL teams don't retire numbers like they did in the past. They need them for the expanded roster and practice squad.

Harry Time

We have been constantly hearing about trading WR N'Keal Harry, in spite of him being a first round draft pick two years ago. Things have not worked out so far to the satisfaction of Harry and the team.

His agent has spoken on his behalf and requested a trade by the Pats to a place where he can have a fresh start.

It remains to be seen the market for him. They could probably get a 3rd or 4th round draft pick. They should do it while teams are looking to tweak their roster for training camp.

Keeping Four?

Will the Pats keep four quarterbacks during the regular season? That seems a bit excessive with the way Coach Belichick looks at each roster spot.

Will Brian Hoyer serve as a coach/mentor to Mac Jones? Is Jarrett Stidham traded?

This will be one of the hot topics when camp opens.

Stadium Plans

The Bears are the latest NFL team to be in the market for a new stadium. Their lease at Soldiers Filed runs through 2033. The city seems to think they have them locked in place until then, but the team feels differently.

They have placed a bid on Arlington Park, a 326 acre property in Arlington Heights currently occupied by a horse racing track.

The Bears appear willing to break their lease which would result in a $84 million penalty starting in 2026, the first year that a stadium could be open by.

With a franchise value of $3.5 billion, the financial penalty would be a drop in the bucket compared to the future value of the team with a new stadium.

Rodgers Ongoing Story

For all the noise Aaron Rodgers has made, there appears to be a limited trade market for him. Just about every team has committed to their starter. His salary cap impact would be huge to any team that signs him.

It's hard to determine whether the Packers want to go multiple years with him at the price he wants.

This is far from over.

Good Deal Back Then

When CB Stephon Gilmore signed his 5 year/ $65 million contract in 2017, it made him one of the highest paid defensive backs in the NFL.

Under those terms, he will play for $7 million this season. This doesn't even get him into the top 13 for pay at that position.

He wants a new contract, but the Pats seem willing to wait out the process. He is also a prime candidate for a trade.

Will he be on the opening day roster?

Athletes Win

It's a good day for college athletes after the NCAA removed the restrictions for individuals profiting over their name, image and likeness.

This was long overdue after the organization made tons of money on various licensing agreements, especially those involving video games.

Payment amounts have not been decided upon, but money will start flowing soon.